Cain says he'd be leading Obama if he were nominee

Thursday

Sep 20, 2012 at 8:37 PM

The Herminator put on a show Thursday at the University of Florida.

By Nathan CrabbeStaff writer

The Herminator put on a show Thursday at the University of Florida.

Former Republican presidential contender Herman Cain gave a rousing speech before a crowd of more than 300 at UF as part of his “College Truth Tour.” A rock band opened the event and Cain closed his speech by singing “Believe in Yourself” from the movie “The Wiz.”

Cain, the former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, hit the highlights of his upbringing and business career before giving his prescription for improving the economy. He focused on the tax code, energy and the national debt, while repeatedly bashing the mainstream media.

“Stupid people are ruining America, and we've got to take it back,” he said.

Cain told members of the media after the speech that Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's recent “47 percent” comment was a “non-story” being blown out of proportion by the media. But Cain said he would have been doing better if he was the nominee, saying that he'd probably have a “substantial lead” on President Barack Obama at this point.

“The reason is quite simple: I have some depth to my ideas,” he said.

In his speech, Cain recalled being alongside his father as he worked as a janitor at Pillsbury, one of his dad's three jobs at the time. Twenty-five years later, Cain was a vice president at the company.

“Only in America can you go from janitor to vice president,” he said.

Cain was a candidate for this year's GOP presidential nomination before dropping out in the face of sexual misconduct allegations. He was best known for his “9-9-9” tax plan, and used part of his speech to call for the tax code to be completely revamped.

Ted Yoho, a Gainesville veterinarian who upset longtime U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns in the Republican primary, introduced Cain. A band opened and closed the event with cover songs by artists ranging from Tom Petty to the Black Keys.

Cain, answering questions submitted to College Republicans, said that he had no interest in a Cabinet position in a possible Romney administration. He's said he's going to replace talk radio host Neal Boortz when Boortz retires in January and also possibly work in television.

“If I can't convert (the media), I'm going to join them,” he said.

Contact staff reporter Nathan Crabbe at 338-3176 or nathan.crabbe@gvillesun.com. Visit www.thecampussun.com for more stories on the University of Florida.